Turn Up the Volume: How Music Could Bring Back the Buzz at Scott Stadium
Remember how electric Scott Stadium felt back in 2019? It wasn’t just the wins or the Orange Bowl trip — it was the vibe. This blog takes a look at how the music, the energy, and even a one-season in-house DJ helped create one of the most fun and hype home environments UVA football has seen in a while. We’re talking players dancing, fans getting into it, and real momentum building. So… what happened? And more importantly, how do we get that feeling back? Maybe it’s time to rethink the music at Scott and bring back some of that 2019 magic — even if it means saying goodbye to Thunderstruck.
Konnor Rothrock
7/2/20251 min read
Momentum. Tradition. Hype. Home field advantage. Even just a good time.
These are things UVA football fans have been dreaming about for quite some time. And while there are plenty of ways to spark that kind of energy, one of the most overlooked tools is music.
Across college football, we see how the right song can shape the atmosphere of a game — from epic entrances like Virginia Tech’s “Enter Sandman” to in-game traditions like Wisconsin’s “Jump Around.” The right music can help create lasting traditions that build real, tangible energy — even a slight competitive edge.
When you look back at UVA’s recent history, it’s hard to ignore the success of the 2019 season: an ACC Championship Game appearance and a trip to the Orange Bowl. But there’s a smaller, often forgotten detail about those home games that year — for the first and only time, UVA used an in-house DJ at Scott Stadium.
Why that DJ was removed? Honestly, it’s unclear. But the impact was undeniable.
Sure, that was a talented team. It was also the winningest season in years. But it was a team that clearly had fun playing at home. Some of my favorite memories from that season involve glancing down at the sidelines between plays and seeing players dancing, hyping up the crowd, and feeding off the energy.
Even if bringing back a DJ isn’t in the cards, there’s definitely a case to be made for revamping the music at Scott Stadium. It could help bring back that same electricity — for both players and fans.
The solution may not be obvious. But maybe it starts with giving the players a say in the playlist. Maybe it starts with a vibe that matches the moment. And if the team starts winning again and the atmosphere builds, who knows? Maybe it’s time for a new runout song — and time to finally say goodbye to “Thunderstruck.”